GIVE ME….

Over the last few weeks I’ve been frustrated as far as running goes. Frustrated that I’ve been sick and exhausted. Frustrated about that foot issue I had so close to the race. Frustrated that I have had to do 99% of my training on the treadmill and nervous that my treadmill running legs aren’t ready for the ups or the downs of the course.

I’ve been trying to think of a million different ways to change my mindset and I finally did this morning on my run (I am positive we do all of our best thinking while running).

Rather than feeling frustrated about some of these things I am now begging for some challenges.

Give me the hills that I may or may not be prepared for.

Give me some bright red itchy eyeballs with a side of a scratchy throat.

Give me fatigue.

Give me that wall to hit.

Give me the opportunity to want to quit because my legs are spent at mile 20.

Give me the things that are going to challenge me because then I can show my strength. I can’t show my strength if everything is just great, grand and wonderful. That’s too easy, I want a challenge.

I want to prove to myself that I am strong and what better way to do that than pushing through the tough stuff. Rather than complain about the things that come up or the hard parts of the course, I am excited for them because they just give me a chance to prove to myself that I’ve got this.

**** edited to add—> just don’t give me a headwind;) K thanks.

Utah really has Brooke confused because she now thinks it is Christmas AGAIN with all of the snow that we’ve been getting.

We started the day off by seeing Dr. B to get a final adjustment before the race and to make sure all of my muscles are fired up and ready to go. He told me that this sick business stuff that I have been dealing with this week is actually a really good thing—> I’m just getting all of the stress/toxins/lame stuff out of my body so that come race day I feel like a million bucks.

I like that.

I had my last salad before the marathon. As the marathon gets closer and closer I try to make my food more and more simple and easily digestible to avoid any stomach issues. Who knows if this works or not but I have always done it this way so I am just going to stick to it.

This was the perfect salad to end things on.

Brooke didn’t want her cupcake sample and so I made sure to take care of it for her.

Megan had the cutest Boston send-off treats for us. We need more people like her in the world.

And Candice’s toes are all ready to go:) We are sharing a hotel room while in Boston and I can’t wait!

Did I tell you about the fact that I was not thinking logically at all and booked a red-eye flight to get to Boston. I was in the mood to save money. This should be fun. It’s a good thing that I can fall asleep in a matter of seconds no matter where I am.

——————————————————————–

Can you sleep in planes? Cars? How long does it usually take you to fall asleep?

You May Also Like

100 comments

You are an incredible runner and you can do hard things!! Even if you don’t have your best race…it freakin’ Boston!!!
I wish I could sleep on planes and in cars, but no luck.
Today’s run: 7.77 miles
Wednesday night plans: Wild and crazy!!! Cook dinner, writes my blog for tomorrow, and go to bed.
Running lately: heavy, tired legs. Isn’t that good luck right before a marathon?!!!

Lynn

Jen! I ran 7.77 miles exactly today, too :)…great minds think alike! And my legs and the rest of me is super tired and heavy so you’re not alone. Let’s hope it comes good for Boston. And Janae, your positive attitude is like sunshine to my soul…much needed after the brutal winter we’ve had in Nova Scotia. Just run with all your hearts, both of you, and it will be all good x

I love your attitude! I honestly believe pushing through the challenges of running requires just as much mental strength as physical strength, and you are going to do so great at Boston!
I can fall asleep easily when riding in a car or flying. It’s pretty much inevitable that I nap for a bit on any trip longer than 3 hours (when I’m not driving, of course).
No running today – I’m being strict about recovery from my half marathon after my ankle hurt a bit and my calf was way too tight. Just some Pilates to stretch and strengthen and a nice long walk with my dog!

I just took a red-eye from Seattle to DC two days before the DC Rock n’ Roll Marathon and it was actually amazing because I was so tired on Saturday before my Sunday race that I was able to go to bed at 6:30PM (yup, it happened) and was wide awake and energized at 4:30AM. I actually think it should be a new Marathon Running Tip. I’ll submit it to Runner’s World now. Yay!

Julie

I like your reframes. I also think a great way of thinking is….you CAN run on those tired, cramped legs. You GET to run, with both legs. How lucky are you?!? What an amazing privilege to be able to RUN free. I live in Boston and personally know two survivors, who are now missing 3 legs between them. When I’m having a rough day, I think of them and all they have gone through. It usually gives me great perspective and extra motivation. Good luck on Monday.

Jenni

RunnerGirl

If this is a couple, I know one of them also. I think of both of them a lot, and especially when I want to complain about the pain that running can bring…I remind myself to be grateful I can run.
Running Boston is an amazing experience that you’ll never forget. Have a great race and I look forward to your recap :-)

Julia

My workout today was 2k warmup with 10x300m hill repeats on a grade steeper than 10% totalling about 8km. It was t-shirt weather today!!! And sunny. I just didn’t look at the lake that is still frozen across for about 4 miles and ignored the fact that there is still no grass visible here because it is covered in hard packed (but currently melting) snow.

Running has been pretty good lately. Plans for tonight are relaxing with my husband and 2 boys and maybe watching a show before bed. Living the wild life ;)

Incredible things are in store for you on Monday!!! So exciting!!
Wednesday plans are lots of organizing, writing, cooking and taking care of my kiddos.
A nice walk today is the workout plan and then knee surgery early tomorrow morning – I can’t wait!!!!
I can sleep anywhere at any time. You’ll sleep like a champ on the plane! :)

I love SO MUCH what you wrote. I just finished my run but just reading this post got me all fired up for another one. LOVE IT. Your doctor is right about getting all the junk out of your system. Come Monday, you’ll be all clear. GO GET IT!

when your body is in overdrive and put to the test(marathon training) it says “oh, we’ve got to stay healthy for this.” So, when you ease up your body says “well thank goodness, we can handle a bit of illness now.” Sadly, what your brain needs your body to do is not exactly what happens. In other words, of course you are sick now, it’s forcing you to rest, forcing you to find reframes, forcing you to nourish and hydrate, and forcing you to really freak out and get your mind BACK to overdrive but most of all, the illness and taper has forced you to be totally race ready and prepared to take on all the challenges that may or may not come your way.

Today was gorgeous here in Germany after last weeks’ snow…so I did a lunch shorty mcshortser 4 mile run then an after work 45km bike ride. I’m tired of the wind, but it is some strength training, right?!

My super wise and well traveled brother says that on a plan you don’t have to *sleep* but you must spend time with your eyes closed.

Running has been pretty good lately, some weeks higher mileage. I’m mixing in cycling and a ballet class (with my 15 year old daughter) so I spend quite a bit of time with sore quads.

AmandaM

Janae – think about that incredible run you did where your Dad dropped you and friends off at the top of a mountain and you did all that downhill running. That is EXACTLY what you need to prepare your legs. I never did a practice run like that and I’ve run 4 Bostons and managed to survive and run (barely and not as fast as you) BQ times. You’ve got this. No doubts.

I’m a really good sleeper also..I fall asleep within minutes. and wherever it might be..car or whever
I’m sorry that you have been experiencing so many little bumps along the road..but great outlook. You are strong and will take it all head on.!!
My running is going so so. not as tough as yours, all self made problems. lol

I race this weekend as well so I did three quick treadmill miles and some core work and now I am home resting.
I can sleep any where, I think it is because I work the night shift at the hospital so whenever I can get sleep I take advantage.
I almost cried when I walked outside to see almost a half a foot of snow in Cottonwood heights! I am ready for the sun and the heat!

I can totally sleep on planes, but not cars. Sleeping in cars makes me nauseated, but planes? oh yeah. pass out like immediately.

Well, it’s supposed to be 6 miles, buuut I have dinner plans with college friends, so it’ll be miles tomorrow.. last night was 200’s at the track, so im fine taking a day off hahah. But overall, my running has felt great! I’m really enjoying it :)

*I can’t sleep on planes, I’m too much of a stressful flyer.
* I did strength this morning at the gym, then on my way home stopped by the rail trail and ran 3.23 miles before picking up my lil girl :)
*Survivor is on, that’s my Wednesday night! lol
*My running has been amazing lately, I can see all the work paying off!!

Victoria

Hey..just remember you freaking rock! Seriously! You are TOTALLY allowed to be frustrated. Get it out..all out! Vent. Then realize how hard you’ve worked. That no matter what…you. are. ready. Beyond ready! All those planks, early am workouts, hills, treadmill runs prepared you to finish strong. Whether that’s with or without zombie eyes :) You got this!

You are going to have the best time ever in Boston. Boston = DisneyLand for Runners. You are absolutely going to feed off of the adrenaline and energy of the city. Last year it was like nothing I’ve ever seen for a race before: so many people, so much happiness and celebration. The runners are treated like heroes and everyone wants to talk about running with you. I’m so jealous of how much fun you are going to have!
Good luck on Monday!

That little gift box is adorable! You’ve gone through so much these past few weeks and you will definitely rock the marathon. Even if you struggle, I think just being and getting there is an awesome feat in itself. Soak it all up (then come back and tell us all about it because I doubt I’ll ever get there).
I can fall asleep in a car within 30 minutes (I blame being woken up during the night and teaching Kindergarten). Airplanes take me a little longer, but I usually catch a small cat nap on one.
My Wednesday night plans are visiting my mom with my boys, then going home, putting on my pjs, ‘marking’ journals (by putting stickers in them), reading a page or two of my book (before I fall asleep) and then going to bed!

SO excited for you!!!
What a great idea to change the way you were looking at it :)!!!
My running has been going well….I am signed up for way more races than I usually do so we shall see how that goes :)…working towards some pr’s!!!!
I can drift off in cars or on planes, but only for a couple minutes and not well or comfortably :)

Sarah

I can sleep ANYWHERE! I was in Boston last week visiting a friend and I fell asleep before the plane even took off. Cars = about 45 minutes.
Workout today is going to be 2 mile warmup, 5 hill repeats, 2 mile cool down. It works out to just over 6 miles total. After that I’m going to eat some quinoa & black bean tacos and then walk to the library with my mom :)

You’ll be amazing at Boston. Your body is most likely exhausted from training and I’m positive it’ll be marathon ready on Monday! Hope you start feeling better :)

I fall asleep every where. Most times I’m extremely grateful for this and then other times it’s a nightmare. I’ll always fall asleep during class at school, it’s not good. But I love it when I’m flying or in long car trips, it makes it go 10 times faster!

Megan D

I can fall asleep anywhere within minutes, but I don’t STAY asleep long in cars or on planes.

I did Insanity Max 30: Sweat fest….and it was a sweat fest indeed.

I thank you for introducing me to that salad, amongst many other delicious things.

You are going to do well at Boston. I know it. You are well trained, you know how to push hard and you are one of the most determined people I know. You know how to fight and you most definitely can do hard things!! I can’t wait to see how you do…and of course to celebrate with fro yo after :)

Leanne

I agree with the theory that you are getting all the toxins out of your body and you will do awesome in Boston! You have put in the training and are ready- you can do hard things!

My workout for today was 9.25 miles. I have been pushing my speedwork so much and have already met my goals, that now my knees are killing me. I am slowing down a bit to try and give them a break and maybe drop my mileage for the next couple weeks.

I can’t sleep on planes, or at least not for more than 30 minutes. I have a hard time relaxing- ever!

My plans for tonight are to attend a PTA meeting. The School Board is threatening our funding, so I am going to speak up for our incredible teachers. I get very emotional when I speak so fingers crossed that I don’t get too made beforehand! :)

I hope when you wake up tomorrow your pinkeye is gone and you feel 100%!

Brandy

I agree with Dr B. Your body is getting you beyond ready for your run!

If I’m tired, I can sleep practically anywhere. Though I sometimes get restless legs and can’t relax. Usually only happens on international length flights and I’ve learned to drink tonic water with quinine – it helps a bit.

My workout today has been driving my MIL to dr’s appointments. She’s in a clinical trial for a cancer medicine, so there are LOTS of appointments.

I can sleep in cars and planes and depending on how tired I am, I can fall asleep almost instantly. I have been known to fall asleep before take off and not wake up until after we landed!! Ran an easy 3.1 today–it was absolutely gorgeous out. Tonight I’m working on some research stuff and drinking a few glasses of wine. :)

For the life of me I can’t sleep on planes or in cars! I’m jealous of people who can :) workout today was a hilly little 4.6 miler and cleanings house. Running has been feeling awesome and I have a 30k race in 10 days, I’m really looking forward to it!
Wednesday night plans are to hang out with the husband and my little guy!!

Great attitude and perspective janae. Goodness knows that you have trained so hard, continue to embrace the challenges, you will be so proud of yourself!

Oh, gee. Get better. I often got sick at the end of marathon training cycles, and I always wished I’d avoided it – but never figured out how (but in retrospect realized that it was usually a combination of two much training and too little rest, protein, or hydration – you know, the things you can skip too easily!).
You’ll turn the corner in time. Just REST.

My brother used to fall asleep before we hit the stop sign down our street. I was always mad because I never could fall asleep so I would be tortured by my parent’s choice of music and bored out of my mind!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for writing an sharing this with us!
I don’t usually respond to motivational things, but this was exactly what I need right now in my work life of all places!
Reflecting on this will make falling asleep much easier tonight since my brain won’t be running through work!

Also keep in mind you’re running BOSTON. There are so many people that would jump at the chance to take your place. No matter how things go on Monday, you’re going to be there running it!!!! And that’s amazing. Enjoy it!

I’ve never been able to sleep on planes. I’ve taken a red eye to Boston and London and was wide awake the whole time for both. Awful!

-Usually I end up falling asleep but I wake up every 10 minutes. It’s just so uncomfortable!
-My workout was a BodyPump class and an active recovery walk! I’m getting up early tomorrow for an 8 miler before school!
-My plans tonight are to work on my research paper and catch up on some sleep. Not the most exciting, but oh well. Summer’s coming :)
-My running has been feeling amazing lately. Ever since I had a heart to heart with myself and reassessed the reason I run, I haven’t been stressing over my pace. I’ve just been running because I love it. My runs have become so much more enjoyable!

Charlotte

Best of luck with Boston, you are so strong, both physically and mentally, and I am trying to use your inspiration for myself! I am currently dealing with pain on my left foot but in the EXACT spot yours was. I have been a loyal Ravenna 5 wearer but recently tried the new 6’s and am scared that may be the culprit as I believe they fit snugger. I have my second marathon coming up in 24 DAYS and have big goals but I still have a 20 miler this weekend to get through before taper begins. Physiotherapist simply told me to ice 4x times a day for a few days and wait and see but I am terrified!!! I must learn how to fix my poor foot!!

Charlotte. I am seriously so so sorry about your foot. Please keep me updated with how it is doing. I am SOOOO glad that I gave my foot some extra rest because that is exactly what I needed. Fly out to my chiro ha… he can fix it;)

Erika

Charlotte- I couldn’t help but notice that the EXACT same thing happened to me when I switched from the Ravenna 5 to 6! My issue turned out to be that the “band” that the laces pull on (the 4th hole from the top is actually a loop that hold this band, I hope that makes sense!) was very tight and was causing my foot to land funny. Letting the laces go very slack right there fixed the problem for me and I hope that might help you? Good luck!

Charlotte

I can sleep pretty much anywhere. Seriously. For a number of reasons, I had to sleep at the airport on Saturday night, and I slept across a row of chairs. It wasn’t the best situation, but I made it work.

Today’s workout was great! I did some 400m repeats and waited until the afternoon when it was sunny and beautiful (I took off work today). Now I’m watching basketball and eating a sweet potato, and that will be my night. :)

I love being able to change my perspective on things. It was something that took me a long time to do, but now with every negative situation I try and find something positive otherwise I will sit in pity or some other negative emotion that isn’t going to serve me any purpose. Pumped for your race!

Jamie

Ok, I’m going to sound motherly, but if you want to get feeling better, seriously, lay off the sugar! It only weakens your immune system, increases inflammation, and creates mucous… None of those things you want leading up to a race. You can do it! Just a few more days and then you can eat it again after the race (and glucose even dirtying the race for energy, but stay away from fructose).

Kylie

Hi Janae
I have been following your blog for a long time and I have to say you have inspired me so much with my own running goals. I wish you great results for Boston as you have worked so hard and I will be cheering you on from Australia xxx

RED EYE? I think you will be so pumped that getting up early will not be a big deal!!! Plus you will get there early to settle in!!!

And, I love your positive outlook and just push through the challenges thrown your way!!! You have trained hard and you will do great!!! Heck, you are running the Marathon of all marathons!!!!! Just saying you ran Boston is AWESOME!!!! I will be cheering you on from South Georgia!!!!

Elena

I am pretty much a champion sleeper and can sleep on planes and cars if I want to. Comes in handy sometimes :)

Today I did speed work – I just started a Hal Hignon plan for a PR in a 10K! I had 6×400 and just did 400 easy between each one since it was easier to track that way :) My running was getting kind of stale with nothing to train for so I decided to plan/train for a race distance that I don’t run often.

Tonight I’m hanging with my daughters and doing laundry (hubby is traveling). So exciting! I also took the dog for a walk :)

Haley C

I think you’ll do great Janae! Hope you can relax, challenge yourself, not be too hard on yourself, and give it everything you’ve got!

I can sleep in cars much better than planes because there is so much more room to lay your head. I’m always afraid of drooling on another passenger when I’m flying.

My workout was a 30 minute HIIT workout video. It was fun! :)

Running has been low key lately. I’ve been backing off, just to get my body into a better place regarding my period. So I’ve been running 3 short runs 3 times a week. My body is still struggling, but I’m learning that it’s a work in progress.

Can you sleep in planes? Cars? How long does it usually take you to fall asleep?
**Cars, yes. It’s not can I sleep, it’s how long can I stay awake. I always end up apologizing to whoever is driving because I know I will be out in like, 20 minutes.
What was your workout today?
**Weights. Lots of squats.
What are your Wednesday night plans?
**Watching Game of Thrones w/my hubs, he promised to skip all the naked so I’m thinking the show is going to be like 2.5 minutes long.
How has your running been feeling lately?
**Meh. Pretty good, but I miss my high mileage days. This year so far I’m not really feeling it.

I’m an expert transportation sleeper… I’m asleep on the plane before we leave the gate!

Rest day today, but ready to go tomorrow. I felt like I should run in memory of the marathon bombing anniversary today, but had family time instead– dinner with my husband and sisters and my sister’s bf.

Way to be positive girl! I know that you are going to rock it!! :) I have a super hard time sleeping in cars, planes, anywhere but my own bed, so I am super jealous that you can sleep on a plane so well :)

Kendra

I really loved this post and it hit home with me. Tomorrow I’m going to look for opportunities to show my strength. How great is that?!? You just made my night. Thanks girl! Also, I just had pink eye two weeks ago. And I’m 31. And it sucks. I’m excited for you to accomplish your goals at Boston, you’ve got this.

LOVE your attitude about doing hard things! I cannot sleep on planes and we are taking our four young children on a long plane ride next week. I am scared to death about how we’re going to handle that long plane ride, jet lag, and did I mention the four children?! I’m just going to remember this timely post and look forward to how tough I’m planning on being. Thank you!!

You’ve got this! Part of the draw of the marathon is the unknown. My husband is running on Monday and I can already see the wheels turning on all the “what ifs…” and he is praying hard that the 17 mph winds they are calling for are not a headwind! HA! You can only control certain things, focus on those and leave the rest! You’ve trained and now its time to do your best!

I’m envious. I cannot sleep on planes at all and I can be quite the cranky pants when I’m sleep deprived. I like your doctor’s reasoning behind you being sick, so get all that crap out and have a great race :)

Brittany

I really needed to these words of encouragement and strength! I am doing my first race EVER this weekend. Even though it’s only a 5k, I am so so nervous. The course is very hilly and I’ve had to do most of my training the treadmill so I just don’t think I am prepared enough. I just go into running so my goals are basically to run the whole race and finish in under 40 min.

Jessica

I sprained my ankle last weekend playing at a trampoline park with my 5 year old daughter – don’t do that, lesson learned. Anyway, that took me out of the 1/2 marathon I was supposed to run Saturday so I had some similar thoughts as you this week (even though it in NO way compares to Boston!). I think you and I were on similar tracks, I am working hard to think of something positive for every negative thought I have as I hobble around on my blue and purple foot (can’t run, but no cast; no race, but I got a deferment to next year).
Anyway – I am SO happy for you and know you are gonna rock that town! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!!

Elizabeth

I love your positive attitude. Life is all about challenges and it is how we deal with those challenges that determines the person we are….ok, that was my deep thought on my run this morning. I can finally run again but not with my group…but a few miles by myself is so much better than running with an injury or not running at all!!

You will do awesome in Boston!!! Keep that smile on your face and think of all the people that can’t run or walk at all.

Great attitude!!
I can’t sleep anywhere that’s not flat. No cars, planes etc unless I’m so absolutely exhausted that it’s more like passing out. I think I fell asleep in the car on the way home from climbing a mountain once…

Kim Olson

Janae-
Thanks for your post, it was exactly what I needed. I too have been sick, so my training for Boston has not been exactly what I’d hoped for. Positive attitude, challenge myself, and remember everything I am thankful for. That is what this is all about. We are very lucky, thanks for the reminder!
I’m much slower than you, wave 3, but maybe I will see you in Athlete’s Village :)
Have a great flight!
Kim Olson

Christina

You are going to do awesome regardless of anything! Just think of this amazing opportunity to be there and have legs and have lungs and have people rooting for ya. I’m all about focussing on the things we do have (only took me 39 years to get there) and relish in today and now and enjoying the moment.

Kiersten

There’s another good book you should read (just saw your list on your other post and this reminded me of it). It’s called Feelings Buried Alive Never Die. It talks about how our emotions manifest physically, why, and also how to release them, etc. I found it interesting that at the beginning of your post you mentioned that you’ve been frustrated, and the book mentions that one of the emotions tied to pink eye is feelings of frustration. She goes into a bunch of ailments and the emotions correlated with them. It’s really great! I hope you’re on the mend and will be thinking about you during your marathon. Sending good vibes!

Abby

One of my most favoritest teachers (teachers are awesome:)) told me once when I was having a bad day, “You know, I would be getting excited if I were you. Whenever things start to go wrong, there MUST be something up ahead that is incredibly RIGHT. And life just wants to make sure you REALLY want it.” Your attitude is spot on, Janae. I’m cheering for you!